WIC SHUTDOWN: Food Pantries Expect More Clients

WIC SHUTDOWN: Food Pantries Expect More Clients

The government shutdown has halted the WIC program and that could mean about 66,000 Iowans go hungry.

WIC is a federal program and provides healthy foods like baby formula and fruits and vegetables for women, infants, and children.

The Des Moines Area Religious Council says if the shutdown continues those relying on WIC will turn to them and other food pantries to help out – but some items they just don’t have.

DMARC is currently out of baby formula, one of the most expensive items that had previously been covered by WIC.

The pantry’s director says families will likely start buying formula with the money they use to buy other food items so the need will then increase at food pantries across the state for all food items.